Potassium is important for the normal functioning of muscles, including involuntary muscles such as the heart. Thankfully, potassium deficiency, called hypokalemia, is a rare occurrence in developed societies. Potassium can be found in many different foods, and most people ingest more than enough through a normal healthy diet. The recommended intake of potassium for healthy adults is 4,700 mg a day, although people with certain medical conditions may need more.
Symptoms
Individuals who consistently ingest slightly less than the recommended daily amount of potassium may develop high blood pressure and salt sensitivity. Salt sensitivity causes a person to be more prone to spikes in blood pressure when consuming sodium. In general, a low-grade potassium deficiency doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, since high blood pressure is only detectable when using a blood pressure cuff to measure it. Someone who is slightly potassium deficient may, however, be at higher risk for diseases including stroke, osteoporosis and kidney stones. If the potassium deficiency becomes severe, muscle cramping, abnormal heart rhythms, constipation, fatigue and paralysis may occur.
Causes
Potassium deficiencies rarely stem from a lack of potassium in the diet. Instead, diseases and medications are typically to blame. Diuretics, pills that cause frequent urination and the removal of water from the system, are a common source of potassium deficiency. Laxatives and steroids may also cause low potassium levels. Any illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting may contribute to a temporary deficiency. People with kidney or adrenal gland problems may also suffer from a loss of potassium.
Treatment
Treatment of a low grade potassium deficiency can generally be treated through supplemental potassium. Oral supplements are usually sufficient to raise potassium levels. For people with a deficiency caused by medication, switching drugs may be an option. Diuretics such as triamterene, amiloride, or spironolactone keep potassium in the body while flushing out fluids.
Prevention
Consuming a wide variety of foods that are high in potassium will typically prevent potassium deficiencies from developing. Good sources include bananas, Brussels sprouts, bran, kiwi, lima beans, baked potato, sunflower seeds, raisins, salmon, prunes, milk, artichoke, acorn squash, spinach, oranges, peaches, peas, peanut butter, tomatoes, molasses and beans. A daily multivitamin containing potassium may also help prevent deficiencies. People on medications or with diseases that raise the risk of a potassium deficiency should ask their doctor about taking supplements as a preventative. Supplements usually consist of potassium bound to another compound, such as potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate or potassium chloride.
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